The US murder rate fell to historic lows in 2025 – here’s why

Most people credit policing or the lack of it, but the real story tracks three trends that rose and fell together.

By: James Tuttle, University of Montana, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 9, 2026

Words: 1,030

Last Updated: 1 week, 6 days ago

By James Tuttle, University of Montana

The murder rate in 2025 was the lowest in modern American history.

Preliminary data shows the murder rate fell nearly 20% from 2024, likely making it the lowest rate since reliable national data began to be collected in 1960.

Why was the murder rate so low?

I’m a professor of sociology and criminology who studies crime trends. In my book, “Crime Wave,” I explore …

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